Debra Duras

Age 70, formerly of Chicago, Illinois and Lemont, Illinois, of Coal City, Illinois, died on August 29, 2025 at Serenity Estates in Morris, Illinois.

Born November 10, 1954, in Chicago, Debra Lynn was the daughter of Joe and Flo Turkowski. She spent her early childhood in Chicago before her family moved to Lemont, where she attended and graduated with the Lemont High School Class with the class of 1973. On June 15, 2012, Debra married James Russell at the courthouse after waiting over an hour for the judge. Together they made their home in Coal City, where they raised their family and shared their lives.

Debra began her working career at Fox Valley Mall, where she served as a clothing department manager for several years. She then joined Exelon as a project manager, a position she held with dedication for more than 37 years before retiring. Throughout her career, she was admired for her strong work ethic and leadership. 

She was a devout member of the Catholic Church in Lemont and a faithful contributor to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital. Debra enjoyed cooking a wide variety of foods and took pride in preparing meals for others. She loved to travel, with her final trip being to Tahiti. A lifelong animal lover, she cared for pets of all kinds and sizes. Music was another joy in her life, and she especially enjoyed listening at full volume. She was generous by nature and also loved to shop, often coming home with new clothes even when closet space had long run out. She was an avid reader and would often be found with her nose in a novel at the Coal City library. 

She is survived by her husband, Ron; one son, Skylar (Casey) Miller of Chicago; one sister, Sue (Ken) Scott of Lemont; three brothers in law: Keith Russell and Steve (Christy) Russell both of Morris, Terry (Stori) Russell of Seneca, IL; numerous cousins, several nieces and nephews, and her furry friends at home.

Debra is preceded by her parents, two siblings: Joey Turkowski, Mary (Glen) Pasiewicz, and numerous special friends whom she thought fondly of. 

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Debra's name to St. Jude’s's Children's Hospital.

The family will receive friends at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway Street, in Coal City on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Burial will immediately follow at Braceville-Gardner Cemetery where she will be laid to rest.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneralHomes.com to sign the guestbook, upload photographs and share Debra's memorial page online through social media.

Funeral and Burial services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-634-2125)